By Erma Edera
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso launched on Wednesday the first of many "ISKOnek," a kiosk that serves free WiFi, charging station, and phone calls at the historical Andres Bonifacio Monument.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno launches the WiFi Booth at the Andres Bonifacio Monument which will offer free calls,free internet and free charging. Eastern Communications Co-coordinator Atty. Aileen Regio said there will be more booths to follow which will soon be announced by the city mayor. (JANSEN ROMERO/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Domagoso said the concept was taken from WiFi phone booths in Manhattan, New York. It can serve 100 users at a time and each user can connect for 30 minutes.
“Connectivity now is a necessity. This could help when you run out of data or load, you can use it,” he said.
The kiosk is powered by Eastern Communications.
"It's a digital kiosk that the Manila City Government has launched not only for Manila residents but everyone who visits the park to be able to access the internet, and call the landline especially for emergency purposes," Atty. Aileen Regio, Eastern Communications co-coordinator said.
There are also charging ports in the booth and can also be used to make free landline calls.
Domagoso said overseas calls can be made through social messaging apps.
To secure the security of the people who would use the kiosk, closed-circuit television cameras were also placed on top of the kiosk’s back-to-back LED screens, the Mayor said.
Domagoso said they plan to put up another 50 kiosks in areas like hospitals and schools in the nation's capital.